Day: April 21, 2014

Tomorrow is Earth Day. A day set aside to mark the anniversary of what’s considered the birth of the modern environmental movement which began in 1970 when groups fighting against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, the loss of wilderness, and the extinction of wildlife came together as they recognized they shared common values.

In 1970, Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, those in cities as well as rural areas, labor unions and business interests came together for a common goal which resulted in the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Act.

So glad Ocala’s finally embraced recycling.

By 1990 Earth Day went global with over 140 countries recognizing the need to address environmental issues and led to significant recycling efforts.

While there are still many who make changes to protect Earth’s resources, unfortunately, many businesses, lobbyists, and politicians now work to dismantle the positive work from the past 44 years.

With the 45th anniversary of Earth Day one year away, it’s a good time to commit to making one change this year for the health of Earth. There are so many options:

Increase recycling efforts

Carpool

Plant a tree

ALWAYS use reusable bags at the grocery instead of plastic

Stop drinking bottled water

Eat less meat

Turn up the AC a degree or two this summer and turn down the heat in the winter

Buy less of everything

My change: STOP DRINKING BOTTLED WATER!

No more bottled water!

I know this is a huge waste of resources as well as money, and how can I continue this practice and then complain about the companies pumping water from the aquifer? I still don’t want to drink the water from the tap, but I’m investing in a water purifier instead of buying the bottled stuff.